Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0) and Tony Ferguson (22-3) are just five days away from finally going to battle inside the Octagon. The two men are vying for the UFC interim lightweight title in the UFC 209 co-main event, with the winner theoretically in line to fight reigning champion Conor McGregor.
Nurmagomedov was on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani on Monday, and he’s of the genuine opinion that he’s set to take part in the biggest lightweight matchup in UFC history.
“A lot of people are gonna watch this fight,” Nurmagomedov said (transcription via MMA Fighting). “My fanbase is huge. This is very big fight. In my opinion, this is the greatest lightweight fight ever in the UFC.”
This statement comes on the heels of Ferguson saying his fight should be the main event over Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson 2, with Woodley shooting “El Cucuy” down during their pre-fight conference call.
The aforementioned conference call was dominated by fiery back-and-forth trash talking between Khabib and Ferguson. Khabib sees the whole thing as good fun, but now he’s all geared up for their highly anticipated showdown.
“I feel like Tony is a little bit nervous, like all of my opponents,” Nurmagomedov said. “But for me, it’s fun. I enjoy this. I talk with him, I enjoy a little bit joke with him, make him nervous.
“Now, everything has changed. the talk is finished. We’re here. We’re in Vegas. It’s five days before the fight. Fight week. I can’t wait for the cage to close.”
UFC 209: Woodley vs. Thompson 2 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday, March 4th. The main card will be broadcast live exclusively on pay-per-view.
Full video of Khabib’s interview can be viewed at the top of the page, starting at the 1:58 timestamp.
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